the black hills, badlands and lakes birding trail guide … · badlands provide a special aspect...

Consultant: Rosemary Draeger Photographers: Doug Backlund Chad Coppess, SD Tourism Map Creator: Chelsea West, SD Game, Fish & Parks Designer: Adam Oswald, SD Game, Fish & Parks

THE BLACK HILLS, BADLANDS AND LAKES BIRDING TRAIL GUIDE IS A COOPERATIVE

SERVICE OF THE FOLLOWING:

BLACK HILLS 1. Spearfi sh Canyon 2. Spearfi sh Park and D. C. Booth Fish Hatchery 3. Mirror Lakes 4. McNenny Loop 5. George S. Mickelson Trail 6. Hanna Area 7. Galena Road 8. Pactola Reservoir 9. Rapid City Parks 10. Tepee Gulch 11. Deerfi eld Lake 12. Ditch Creek Campground 13. Roby Canyon 14. Hell Canyon 15. Elk Mountain Lookout 16. Custer State Park 17. Wind Cave Nati onal Park

BUTTES AND PRAIRIES 18. Fort Meade Recreati on Area 19. Bear Butt e State Park 20. Belle Fourche Reservoir 21. North Cave Hills: Picnic Springs Campground 22. Slim Butt es: Reva Gap, Deer Draw, Sorum Dam GPA 23. Grand River Nati onal Grassland 24. Shadehill and Llewellyn Johns Memorial Recreati on Areas

25. Durkee Lake 26. Four Corners Loop 27. Bad River Water Access Area 28. Curlew Lake GPA

BADLANDS, LAKES AND CANYONS29. Coff ee Flats Road and Fiddle Creek Dam30. Red Canyon31. Hot Brook Canyon and Chautauqua Park32. Cascade Falls Area

33. Angostura Reservoir34. Limestone Butt e Lake35. Lacreek Nati onal Wildlife Refuge

36. Litt le White River and Todd GPA37. Badlands Nati onal Park

38. Cheyenne River Grassland Loop

More than 350 species of birds, including nearly 200 breeding species, can be found among the 38 sites comprising the Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Birding Trail, which encompasses essenti ally the western third of South Dakota. The region is dominated by vast open undulati ng grasslands, underlain by sedimentary rocks, covered by mixed-grass and short-grass prairie grasses, and averaging around 3,500 feet in elevati on. This prairie grassland is broken by a number of diff erent landforms supporti ng uniquely diff erent and surprisingly varied bird habitats.

In the northwestern part of the region isolated butt es rise above the prairie and support small areas of deciduous and pine forest. Mountain Bluebird, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Common Poorwill and Spott ed Towhee are common here. The prairie regions are also cut by several sizeable rivers draining eastwardly to the Missouri River, and several large reservoirs occur along those rivers. Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks soar overhead, while Green-winged Teal and Northern Pintail nest in wetland areas. Long-billed Curlew, Greater Sage-Grouse, Baird’s Sparrow and Sprague’s Pipit can be heard calling and singing at their nesti ng grounds on the prairie. In the southern part of the area covered by this birding trail, the unique, picturesque and highly eroded South Dakota

Badlands provide a special aspect and bird habitat. Burrowing Owl on prairie dog towns, Black-billed Magpie in wooded draws and White-throated Swift soaring around the wind-eroded pinnacles are found in the Badlands. And of course the western area of the region is dominated by the 4,500 square miles of the Black Hills, rising to over 7,000 feet in alti tude and supporti ng vegetati on varying from grassland savannahs in the lower alti tudes to Ponderosa pine forests to pine-spruce forests at the highest elevati ons.

Pine forest birds such as Black-backed Woodpecker, Western Tanager, Northern Goshawk and Red Crossbill inhabit this habitat type. Drumming Ruff ed Grouse and drilling sapsuckers are unique birds that depend upon aspen and hardwoods. The Hills are also dissected by streams, lakes and ponds that provide riparian and wetland habitats. Keep eyes to the sky for osprey! South Dakota’s only populati on of American Dipper thrives along Spearfi sh Creek. Look for Golden-crowned Kinglet, Townsend’s Solitaire and MacGillivray’s Warbler in the Black Hills’ riparian zones.

This Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Birding Trail is comprised of 3 driving loops. The Butt es and Prairies loop stretches from the northern edge of the Black Hills nearly to North Dakota and includes 11 birding sites. The Badlands, Lakes and Canyons loop extends from just south of the Black Hills east to LaCreek Nati onal Wildlife Refuge and south nearly to Nebraska. Its 10 sites include prairie areas, some unique wetland birding opportuniti es and stops within Badlands Nati onal Park. The Black Hills loop, with 17 sites, is contained within the Black Hills and immediate surrounding areas.

THIS GUIDE PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT

EACH SITE ON THE TRAIL, HOW TO GET

THERE, WHAT BIRDS TO LOOK FOR, WHAT

MONTHS TO VISIT AND GREAT BIRDING TIPS.

FINDING BIRDSTiming is important in birding. Check your birding fi eld guide and other references before embarking on a search for a specifi c species listed in this trail guide. We have not att empted to duplicate reference informati on regarding the best ti me of year, ti me of day or habitat in which individual species may be found.

BE PREPARED REMOTE REGIONS, GRAVEL ROADSSome areas of this trail are quite remote. When planning to visit these areas, have a full tank of gas, a reliable vehicle, water, food for the day and a cell phone. Some parts of this trail cross open rangeland where catt le at large may be encountered standing on the road. Slow down when driving on gravel roads. Some gravel roads may be impassable when muddy or snow-covered. Check with local contacts if in doubt. Less-traveled gravel roads provide great birding. Watch for safe places to pull over and bird between trail hot spots.

VEHICLE TRAILSMany of the birding trail’s state game producti on areas (GPAs) and federal lands have rough roads. It is recommended you walk rather than att empt to drive on these dirt roads. Please respect “No Vehicles Beyond This Point” signs. Most GPAs have access but not a formal parking lot. On GPAs, a sign will be posted to “Park Cars Here” at the end of a trail or will tell you if vehicle travel is restricted. There are no fees required to visit GPAs. Check with local US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management offi ces for rules, fees and maps for motorized vehicle access and day use areas on federal public land.

MULTIPLE USE AND PRIVATE LANDAlthough this region of South Dakota has an abundance of public land, be aware of and considerate of others. Site contacts can provide specifi c informati on about hunti ng or other acti viti es at locati ons you plan to visit. Many driving routes in this guide pass long stretches of private land. Do not leave the roadway to step onto private land.

PARKSAll state parks and recreati on areas require a park entrance license. All state parks off er parking and toilets. Most off er camping as well.

WEATHERAir temperature and precipitati on can change quickly in South Dakota. Be prepared with outerwear suitable to the season. Plan to include insect repellent for summer birding.

BIRDING ETHICSThe best birding is the least intrusive to birds and their habitats. Disturbing a bird - making it fl ush from cover, call in alarm or focus on your presence - stresses it and may expose it to predators. Use binoculars, stay back, avoid damaging habitat and enjoy. This birding trail includes opportuniti es to view species with special protecti on from disturbance, such as the Least Tern, Piping Plover and Bald Eagle. Adhere to any signs indicati ng the presence of nesti ng terns and plovers or wintering Bald Eagles. Violati ng federal or state laws protecti ng these species can result in serious penalti es in additi on to the potenti al harm done to the nesti ng, migrati ng or wintering birds. (See American Birding Associati on’s Code of Birding Ethics htt p://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html)

ONLINE RESOURCESWebsites for individual sites may be found easily on the internet. Here are a few additi onal resource websites:

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Website for state parks and recreati on area informati on.htt p://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Website for links to other regional birding trails in South Dakota. htt p://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/critt ers/birds

South Dakota Offi ce of Tourism Website for links to lodging, food and travel informati on.www.travelSD.com

South Dakota Ornithologists’ Union Web site for current sighti ngs and birding informati on.www.sdou.org/

U.S. Government recreati on website.www.recreati on.gov/

GENERAL TIPS

AmericanThree-toed Woodpecker© Doug Backlund

1 SPEARFISH CANYON -ROUGHLOCK FALLS

1 SPEARFISH CANYON -IRON CREEK TRAIL

HABITAT:A well-maintained trail of approximately 1 mile runs between the back end of Spearfi sh Canyon Lodge at Savoy and Roughlock Falls, through a wonderful mix of pine, spruce, birch, aspen, willow and other deciduous riparian habitat, bordering Litt le Spearfi sh Creek with water fl ows from moderate to rapid, including several areas of shallow pools, with great views of canyon wall cliff s.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:American Dipper, White-throated Swift , Violet-green Swallow, Canyon Wren, Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, Black-headed Grosbeak, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Belted Kingfi sher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Red-naped Sapsucker, Common Yellowthroat, Spott ed Towhee, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Song Sparrow, Townsend’s Solitaire, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Spott ed Sandpiper, Turkey Vulture, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned kinglets, Tree Swallow. Rarity: Ruff ed Grouse.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: April through September.

TIPS: Early morning walks avoid the greatest tourist pedestrian traffi c. This trail or its desti nati on of the falls is one of the most reliable spots in the Black Hills for great views of the American Dipper. In additi on to birds, this trail off ers a wide spectrum of wildfl owers. Also at Savoy, a trail to the base of Spearfi sh Falls starts behind the Latchstring Inn at the east end of the restaurant’s parking lot, crosses Spearfi sh Creek over a bridge and runs down to the base of Spearfi sh Falls. American Dippers and several woodland songbirds can oft en be found here.

HABITAT:A well-worn dirt trail climbs gently along Iron Creek up a narrow gulch with high sandstone cliff s on each side for about 1½ miles before the creek disappears underground. Spruce, aspen, birch and poplar are predominant along the creek, with pine forest above. The habitat gradually changes to pine-dominant forest interspersed with small high-country meadows.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:American Dipper, Canyon Wren, Veery, Townsend’s Solitaire, Chipping Sparrow, Western Tanager, Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swainson’s Thrush, Townsend’s Solitaire, Violet-green Swallow, White-throated Swift , Golden Eagle, Turkey Vulture. More open areas of the trail have potenti al for species such as Western Tanager, Western Wood-Pewee, Chipping Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Dusky Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Mountain Bluebird.


TIPS: Iron Creek Trail begins approximately 1½ miles north of Savoy on Highway 14A, at the end of a parking area on the west side of the road, next to Iron Creek. It travels easily upstream along the creek, moving into some nice open meadow and conifer (both pine and spruce) habitat. Always leave any pasture gates the way you fi nd them. Close them behind you if you have opened them. Pack water and rain gear, as summer thunderstorms materialize quickly. At the start of the trail, look for American Dippers along the creek. As the trail climbs away from the canyon fl oor and meanders westward, it merges with a logging road two-track and conti nues another mile or more all the way to Forest Service (FS) 134. As with all hikes in the nati onal forest, it is highly recommended that you acquire a map of the trail from a Black Hills Nati onal Forest offi ce.

American Dipper© Doug Backlund

1 SPEARFISH CANYON DRIVEHABITAT:Steep limestone cliff s defi ne the canyon. Ponderosa pine and white spruce line the draws, and riparian shrubs and deciduous trees edge Spearfi sh Creek. Aspen groves dot the canyon.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Broad-winged Hawk, Townsend’s Solitaire, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Dipper, Indigo Bunti ng, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) and MacGillivray’s warblers, White-throated Swift , Canyon Wren, Plumbeous Vireo, Red-tailed Hawk.


TIPS: Highway 14A through Spearfi sh Canyon is a Nati onal Forest Scenic Byway, with spectacular views of this canyon. Park at pullouts along the road, walk and listen for birds. American Dippers have nested behind Bridal Veil Falls.

CONTACT:Northern Hills Ranger District - Black Hills Nati onal Forest2014 North Main Street, Spearfi sh, SD 57783, (605) 642-4622

Iron Creek© Doug Backlund

2 SPEARFISH PARK AND D.C. BOOTH FISH HATCHERYHABITAT:The park and fi sh hatchery have excellent pine, spruce and deciduous habitat along the southern and eastern sides with deciduous riparian habitat along Spearfi sh Creek, which runs through the park.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Warblers in spring migrati on, Indigo and Lazuli bunti ngs, Spott ed Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Belted Kingfi sher, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Cooper’s Hawk, Bullock’s Oriole, Cedar Waxwing (Bohemian rare in winter), Townsend’s Solitaire, Warbling Vireo, waterfowl.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: April through October.

TIPS: Follow trails into good habitat. The city bike/walking path moves through the park, following Spearfi sh Creek. At the southern edge of the park and also taking off from the D. C. Booth Fish Hatchery, there are a number of well-worn dirt paths through oak and pine forest.

CONTACTS:Spearfi sh Parks and Recreati on625 Fift h Street, 2nd FloorSpearfi sh, SD 57783(605) 642-1333

D. C. Booth Historic Nati onal Fish Hatchery and Archives423 Hatchery CircleSpearfi sh, SD 57783(605) 642-7730Email: [email protected]

3 MIRROR LAKESHABITAT:Very diverse and mixed habitat including dense stands of honeysuckle, wild plum, dogwood, ash, hawthorn, buff aloberry and bur oak-lined draws. Also open water year-round with small stands of catt ails. Large cott onwoods, stands of ash, elm, oak and Russian olive. The gravel road to the entrance of the fi sh hatchery has extensive stands of juniper interspersed with grassland.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Warblers in migrati on, Northern Shrike, Short-eared Owl, Cedar Waxwing (Bohemian rare in winter), Wilson’s Snipe, Marsh Wren, Song Sparrow and Virginia Rail can be found here. In summer Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Bullock’s and Balti more orioles. Long-eared Owls have been found in the junipers.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: March through October.

TIPS: Upper and Lower Mirror lakes are just to the west of McNenny State Fish Hatchery, via a loop of roads. The lakes themselves are small, and heavy fi shing acti vity usually makes for poor birding on the water. However, the surrounding areas of shrub, grassland and catt ails make the drive worthwhile.

Bohemian Waxwing© Doug Backlund© Chad Coppess, SD Dept. of Tourism

4 MCNENNY LOOP(Spearfi sh to McNenny Fish Hatchery; Mirror, Coxes and Mud lakes and Redwater River Driving Loop)

HABITAT:This 25-mile route passes through a great variety of habitat, providing great species diversity. Open pine and grassland, with many deep ravines and wooded draws, mature cott onwoods, marshland with Russian olive, juniper habitat, catt ail marsh, mixed deciduous trees and shrubs. Start at the Spearfi sh McDonalds Restaurant (refer to map). Aft er turning south on Old Belle Road, the birder has completed the loop back to Spearfi sh.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Black-billed Magpie, Spott ed Towhee, Yellow Warbler, Blue Jay, American Crow, Lark Sparrow, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Gray Catbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Mountain Bluebird, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Brewer’s Blackbird (along Upper Redwater Road), Osprey, Short-eared Owl. Rarity: Pinyon Jay.


TIPS: Just before the Wyoming state line, along Homestake Road, an acti ve Osprey nest may sti ll be present. Just north of the intersecti on of McNenny Road and Chicken Creek Road, Mud Lake is viewable and may be a good waterfowl and shorebird spot.

Ruff ed Grouse© Doug Backlund

Cinnamon Teal© Doug Backlund

5 GEORGE S. MICKELSON TRAILHABITAT:This 109-mile rails-to-trails hike and bike trail travels north-south through multi ple habitats of the enti re Black Hills.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Approximately 175 or more species of birds may be seen along the length of the trail. A sampling of species found in appropriate habitat and season along the trail include Bald Eagle, Burrowing Owl, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pinyon Jay, Canyon Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Ruff ed Grouse, Loggerhead Shrike, Plumbeous Vireo, Clark’s Nutcracker, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, many warblers, sparrows, swallows, nuthatches and waterfowl. Rarity: Evening Grosbeak.


TIPS:The best way to bird along the Mickelson Trail is to acquire a copy of the booklet, A Birder’s Guide to the George S. Mickelson Trail, which may be downloaded from the SD Game, Fish and Parks website under the “Things to Do”/“Birdwatching” tab or ordered by phone.This guide discusses the habitat and birds to look for at each trailhead or in each region through which the trail passes. There are 14 trailheads, with parking and easy access to the trail. A few trailhead areas recommended by birders:

A. Sugarloaf Trailhead – from here an 8-mile loop hike is possible from Sugarloaf to Kirk and back to Sugarloaf, through spruce and aspen with meadows and riparian areas along Whitewood and Yellow creeks.

B. Kirk Trailhead, up Yellow Creek Draw. A good trail runs through pine and aspen along Yellow Creek.

C. Englewood Trailhead, along Whitewood Creek. Walk the creek both upstream and downstream from the trailhead.

D. Rochford Trailhead. Walk the bike trail downstream from the Rochford Trailhead or upstream from the Mysti c Trailhead through pine forest and open riparian shrubland along Rapid Creek. Total hike possible from one to the other trailhead is about 8 miles, or hike a bit and move your car.

E. Sheep Canyon Trail Stop, along the upper slope looking down on this steep canyon. Access is from Fall River County Rd 185 immediately south of the bridge over the trail. Park at the side of the road, walk down a grassy path to the trail and conti nue along the bike path southwest toward Edgemont to the Trail Stop, approximately ¼ mile from the bridge.

While much sought aft er by many birders, the Black-backed Woodpecker is not easy to fi nd. Areas of bug-killed pine trees anywhere in the Black Hills are good locati ons to look.

CONTACT:Black Hills Trails Offi ce 11361 Nevada Gulch Road, Lead, SD 57754-9801, (605) 584-3896, Email: [email protected]

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6 HANNA AREA

HABITAT:Elevati on of 5,600 to 5,900 feet, spruce, pine and aspen forest, with meadows. East Spearfi sh Creek, with riparian deciduous brushy habitat, fl ows through area.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:American Dipper, Red Crossbill, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Ruff ed Grouse, Winter Wren, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Gray Jay, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Broad-winged Hawk. Rariti es: White-winged Crossbill. Pacifi c Wren possible.


TIPS: From Cheyenne Crossing, drive south to Hanna Campground, park, walk the area. A 1-mile nature loop is available. Proceed to Long Draw Road (FS 209). At the start of Ward Draw, park and check out the pond, walk the draw a bit, then proceed up Long Draw, pulling over in wide spots to walk and listen for birds. Either return along Long Draw or make a loop drive across FS 206 to FS 17, north to Highway 85 and west to Cheyenne Crossing, stopping to listen for birds at pullouts

along the roads. Long Draw Road, proceeding to remote Black Fox Campground higher in the spruce forest, with south fork of Rapid Creek running through it, may yield additi onal songbirds in spring and summer, plus raptors along the high cliff s.

CONTACT:Northern Hills Ranger District - Black Hills Nati onal Forest2014 North Main Street, Spearfi sh, SD 57783, (605) 642-4622

Pacifi c Wren© Doug Backlund

Golden-crowned Kinglet© Doug Backlund

7 GALENA ROADHABITAT:Deciduous riparian forest habitat of aspen and birch, oak, boxelder, elm and Ponderosa pine.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Cooper’s and Broad-winged hawks, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Dusky Flycatcher, Red-eyed and Warbling vireos, Swainson’s Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Ovenbird, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Western Tanager, Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Cordilleran Flycatcher. Rariti es: Golden-winged and Chestnut-sided warblers, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Veery.


TIPS: Three excellent birding stops within ½ mile of each other and just 6½ miles into the hills from Sturgis are:

1. Galena Road (FS 170) at Park Creek, walking along the road just west of the intersecti on with Erickson Road (FS 180).

2. One-fourth mile farther along Galena Road beyond the Erickson Road intersecti on to FS 5H, walking up or down the draw.

3. One-fourth mile along Erickson Road from the Galena Road intersecti on to FS 541. Chestnut-sided Warblers have nested in the past along the stream. Watch for other nesti ng birds at the beaver dams along this creek.

White-winged Junco© Doug Backlund

Red-naped Sapsucker© Doug Backlund

8 PACTOLA RESERVOIRHABITAT:800-acre reservoir. Pine forest, open grassy areas, riparian vegetati on around lake, marshes, aspen groves.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Many waterfowl in migrati on spring and fall, Eared Grebe, Western Grebe, Common Loon. Bald Eagles winter at the lake on the west side by the big island. Look for Osprey during spring and summer, Northern Goshawk year-round. Summer residents: Western Wood-Pewee, Gray Jay, Red-breasted

Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Rarity: Long-tailed Duck.


TIPS: From near the Pactola Campground, the Osprey Trail runs along the south side of the lake, giving lake access and great views. It includes 2 loop trails and a spur trail to an overlook.

© Chad Coppess, SD Dept. of Tourism

8 PACTOLA BASINHABITAT:Rapid Creek fl ows out of the reservoir below the dam. Marsh reeds, pond, riparian willows and dogwood with grassy meadows along the creek, surrounded by Ponderosa pine forest.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:The pond off ers spring and fall waterfowl migrants. Other migrants include Balti more Oriole, Wilson’s Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Clay-colored Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow.

Summer residents include Pine Siskin, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Townsend’s Solitaire, Ovenbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Spott ed Sandpiper, Common Merganser, Yellow Warbler, Rock Wren. An Osprey nest sits atop a nesti ng pole.


TIPS: The Rapid Creek Trailhead for the Centennial Trail is located off US Highway 385, downstream from Pactola Dam. Park and walk east along the trail following the creek, then walk the road back, making a loop through all the habitats. Angler trails abound along the creek. Or drive the road to the back of the basin and explore from there. Sheridan Lake and the U.S. Forest Service Spring Creek Picnic Area on Sheridan Lake Road have good riparian habitat. From the Centennial Trail’s Spring Creek Trailhead, the Spring Creek Trail follows the creek upstream to the dam of Sheridan Lake. Birders will fi nd great birding and diverse habitat along that trail. At the upper end of Pactola Reservoir, the Silver City Trailhead of the Deerfi eld Trail off ers access to an easy walk upstream along Rapid Creek, with many songbirds and forest birds.

CONTACTS:Pactola Visitor CenterLocated at Pactola Reservoir DamHighway 385, (605) 343-8755

Mysti c Ranger DistrictBlack Hills Nati onal Forest8221 South Highway 16Rapid City, SD 57702(605) 343-1567

Osprey© Doug Backlund

Gray Jay© Doug Backlund

Ruby-crowned Kinglet© Doug Backlund

9 RAPID CITY PARKS - CANYON LAKE PARK

HABITAT:Open water lake year-round, marshes, city park, deciduous and coniferous trees, deciduous riparian area near Rapid Creek.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Belted Kingfi sher, Rough-winged Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Belted Kingfi sher, Buffl ehead, Canvasback, Green-winged Teal, Common Merganser, many more waterfowl, warblers in migrati on, songbirds. Rarity: Greater Scaup, Merlin, Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, Cackling Goose. Bald Eagles in winter.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: Year-round.

TIPS: Walk the paths and scan lake. Cleghorn Springs State Fish Hatchery is adjacent. Winter Wren or Pacifi c Wren may be a possibility there.

CONTACT:Rapid City Department of Parks and Recreati on125 Waterloo Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, (605) 394-5225

9 RAPID CITY PARKS - THE OUTDOOR CAMPUS WEST

HABITAT:Small ponds, deciduous trees, shrubs, grassland, mixed-grass meadows, wet meadows, catt ail sloughs, open spring-fed ponds, thickets, hardwood trees. Adjacent is Wilderness Park, a city-owned “low maintenance” park with typical Black Hills pine slopes.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Great variety of songbirds, marsh birds, waders, warblers in migrati on, thrushes.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: March through November.

TIPS: This outdoor learning and exploring center in the city off ers varied habitats and easy trails and access to the wilderness park next to it.

CONTACT:South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and ParksThe Outdoor Campus-West4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, SD 57702, (605) 394-2310

Broad-winged Hawk© Doug Backlund

Black-headed Grosbeak© Doug Backlund

9 RAPID CITY PARKS - LEONARD SWANSON MEMORIAL BIKE PATHFOUNDER’S PARK, SIOUX PARK STORYBOOK ISLAND AND MARY HALL PARK.

HABITAT:The bike path winds primarily along Rapid Creek, linking a number of parks together. Starti ng at any of the parks above, one may bird through the park and then hike a bit along the bike trail through a variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous tree groves, wetlands, creeks and open grassy areas.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Downy and Hairy woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, Warbling Vireo, Blue Jay, Tree and Violet-green swallows, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted and Red-breasted nuthatches, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, American Goldfi nch, Buffl ehead, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Osprey,

Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel, Spott ed Sandpiper, Chimney Swift , Belted Kingfi sher, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Spott ed Towhee, Clay-colored Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Western Tanager, Orchard and Balti more orioles.


TIPS: Check online or with the Rapid City Park Department for a map of the bike trail. Check out each habitat type found in each park. Look for a marshy area between Storybook Island and Sioux Park.

CONTACT:Rapid City Department of Parks and Recreati on125 Waterloo Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, (605) 394-5225

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10 TEPEE GULCHHABITAT:Tepee Gulch is a canyon with oaks, aspen and birch. Ponderosa pines on the slopes, sheer rock canyon walls.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Cordilleran Flycatcher, Red-naped Sapsucker, Dusky Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Ovenbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Canyon Wren, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Tanager, migrati ng warblers, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Townsend’s Solitaire, Swainson’s Thrush, American Redstart.


TIPS: Tepee Gulch may be entered from either the south end or the north end, but it is not possible to drive completely through. The roads are very rough and impassable in wet weather. Be cauti ous aft er strong thunderstorms in area. Drive only as far up the road as comfortable for your car, then park and walk.

Not far away is the Rockerville Burn area. It is entered easily from Rockerville Road to Forest Service Road 719. Birds that can be found in the burn area: Lewis’s Woodpecker, Golden Eagle (especially winter), Common Nighthawk, Hairy Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, Eastern and Mountain bluebirds, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Western Tanager, Spott ed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco, Pine Siskin. Areas of bug-killed pine anywhere in the Black Hills are good locati ons to look for Black-backed Woodpecker.

CONTACT:Mysti c Ranger District - Black Hills Nati onal Forest, 8221 South Highway 16, Rapid City, SD 57702, (605) 343-1567

Dusky Flycatcher© Doug Backlund

McGillivray’s Warbler© Doug Backlund

11 DEERFIELD LAKEHABITAT:A 400-surface acre-lake with conifer (mostly pine with some spruce and aspen) forest and prairie (on the north).

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Bald Eagle (nesti ng), Osprey, Common Loon, Common Merganser, Spott ed Sandpiper, Rock Wren, warblers in migrati on. In the conifers, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, Western Tanager, Pine Siskin, Dark-eyed Junco, Western Wood-Pewee, Ovenbird, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Spott ed Towhee and Plumbeous Vireo. In the prairie scrub, Say’s Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Western Meadowlark, American Goldfi nch, Mountain and Eastern bluebirds, Lark Sparrow, Merlin, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk and other species typical of grasslands. Shade-loving species may be found on the east side in spruce and aspen groves; Swainson’s Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-naped Sapsucker. Winter rarity: Rough-legged Hawk.


TIPS: It is possible to hike around the lake. This is a great, generally easy, but long (10 mile) hiking loop, circling Deerfi eld Lake. It is also possible to hike just small segments of the trail. A large stone dam on Castle Creek, which forms the reservoir, is att racti ve to Rock Wrens. The length of this hike necessitates being prepared with water and rain gear. Or drive the Whitetail Loop, with Lakeshore Picnic Ground and the Whitetail Campground. Also drive nearby U.S. Forest Service roads. A walk-in trout fi shery below the dam off ers easy walking beside Castle Creek for about 1½ miles with many songbird species and raptors. Clark’s Nutcrackers have been seen here.

CONTACT:Mysti c Ranger District - Black Hills Nati onal Forest8221 South Highway 16, Rapid City, SD 57702, (605) 343-1567

Plumbeous Vireo© Doug Backlund

12 DITCH CREEK CAMPGROUNDHABITAT:Spruce and aspen along Ditch Creek.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Red Crossbill, Clark’s Nutcracker, Bald and Golden eagles, Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned kinglets, Red-naped Sapsucker, Brewer’s Blackbird, Gray Jay, Vesper Sparrow. Migrants: Wilson’s Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow.


TIPS: Park and walk through campground and along creek.

CONTACT:Mysti c Ranger District - Black Hills Nati onal Forest8221 South Highway 16, Rapid City, SD 57702(605) 343-1567

Golden Eagle© Doug Backlund

13 ROBY CANYONHABITAT:Pine-juniper, shrub habitat with the higher elevati ons becoming pine forest. A few springs provide runoff in the canyon bott om off ering shrubby, deciduous, riparian vegetati on and habitat.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Virginia’s Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Tanager, Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift , Say’s Phoebe, Black-billed Magpie, Rock Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Brewer’s Blackbird, Cooper’s Hawk, Wild Turkey, Yellow-breasted Chat. Rarity: Pinyon Jay.


TIPS: From Highway 16, just into Wyoming, turn north onto Boles Canyon Road (FS 117). Follow this road approximately 1½ miles beyond the intersecti on with Redbird Canyon. Just aft er crossing over a small bridge over a normally dry creek bed, turn north onto an old logging road (FS 264, probably not marked). Drive approximately 1,000 feet to gate. Park and walk up the canyon. The Roby Canyon road is periodically closed in winter. Boles Canyon and Redbird Canyon also provide good birding in similar habitat. Some species found in these canyons include Black-headed Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, Common Nighthawk, Northern Goshawk, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Plumbeous Vireo, Pygmy Nuthatch, Yellow-breasted Chat, MacGillivray’s Warbler. Rarity: Cassin’s Kingbird (has been seen in Boles Canyon). Follow trails across canyon bott oms.

CONTACT:Black Hills Nati onal ForestHell Canyon Ranger District330 Mt. Rushmore RoadCuster, SD 57730(605) 673-4853

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Virginia’s Warbler© Doug Backlund

Townsend’sSolitaire

© Doug Backlund

14 HELL CANYONHABITAT:The canyon includes a creek bed, oft en dry in summer, with chokecherry and other riparian vegetati on along the trail. Outside the riparian zone are a mixed pine forest and high exposed rocky canyon walls. The Jasper Fire of 2000 scorched the surrounding forest and part of the Hell Canyon Trail, att racti ng woodpeckers.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Canyon Wren, White-throated Swift , Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks, Red-naped Sapsucker, Western Wood-Pewee,

Red-breasted Nuthatch, Violet-green Swallow, Ovenbird, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) and MacGillivray’s warblers, Western Tanager, White-winged Junco, Red Crossbill, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Rock Wren. Rariti es: Blue-winged Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Carolina Wren, Calliope Hummingbird.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: May through September.

TIPS: Park at the Hell Canyon Trailhead on the north side of Highway 16 just west of Jewel Cave. Walk the trail along the canyon bott om. Look for Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in the meadows and both spring and late summer migrants in the chokecherries. About ½ mile in from the trailhead, follow a small trail up a side canyon to the right to a grove of aspen and shrubs. Look here for resident breeding birds. Townsend’s Warbler has occurred in this grove.

CONTACT:Black Hills Nati onal ForestHell Canyon Ranger District330 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730 (605) 673-4853

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Broad-tailed Hummingbird

© Doug Backlund

Black-backedWoodpecker

© Doug Backlund

15 ELK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUTHABITAT:Windswept knoll with grassland, woody draws and scatt ered deciduous trees.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:At the lookout: Lewis’s Woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Bluebird. Along Dewey Road: Cassin’s Kingbird is possible, though rare, in additi on to sparrows and other grassland species.


TIPS: May need to walk across hilltop if in low-profi le vehicle. The road to Elk Mountain, Dewey Road (County Road 769), is good for birding from Edgemont to Elk Mountain and north to its intersecti on with Highway 16. Elk Mountain Road (FS 123) turns west off Dewey Road, crosses into Wyoming and returns to South Dakota before climbing the mountain.

CONTACT:Black Hills Nati onal Forest - Hell Canyon Ranger District330 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730, (605) 673-4853

Mountain Bluebird© Doug Backlund© Chad Coppess, SD Dept. of Tourism

16 CUSTER STATE PARKHABITAT:Custer State Park is a 71,000-acre park with many habitat types including grassland, riparian habitat, Ponderosa pine and spruce forests with aspen and deciduous groves; many roads and trails suitable for birding. The best way to enjoy birding in Custer State Park is to contact the park headquarters to get maps, bird checklist and informati on on recent and seasonal sighti ngs.

Two popular birding areas:FRENCH CREEK NATURE AREA AND WILDLIFE LOOPBIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Canyon Wren, Northern Goshawk, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Dusky Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, riparian species, White-throated Swift , Mountain Bluebird, Balti more Oriole, Spott ed Towhee, warblers in migrati on. Sharp-tailed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, sparrows, hawks along Wildlife Loop. Rarity: Pinyon Jay.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: Mid-May through October.

TIPS: French Creek Trailhead is on the east side of the Wildlife Loop. Watch out for ratt lesnakes in spring and summer. Four Mile Draw Road takes off from the lower west side of the Wildlife Loop. Look for Black-backed, Red-headed and Lewis’s woodpeckers in the burned area. Areas of bug-killed pines anywhere in the Black Hills are good locati ons to look for Black-backed Woodpecker.

SYLVAN LAKE, HARNEY PEAK AND LITTLE DEVIL’S TOWER TRAILSBIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Ruff ed Grouse drumming in April-May around Harney Peak, Clark’s Nutcracker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red Crossbill, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned kinglets, Gray Jay, Western Wood-Pewee, Osprey, Hairy Woodpecker, Pine Siskin, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Golden Eagle. Rariti es: Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, White-winged Crossbill.


TIPS: Follow hiking trails. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

CONTACT:Custer State Park13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730, (605) 255-4515

17 WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARKHABITAT:This is a 28,000-acre park. Mixed-grass prairie, with scatt ered pine groves, pine forest, deciduous shrubbery and thickets, limestone cliff s.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Great Horned Owl, Prairie Falcon, White-throated Swift , Canyon Wren, Cliff Swallow, Say’s Phoebe, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Violet-green Swallow, Mountain Bluebird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Spott ed Towhee, Lazuli Bunti ng, Pine Siskin, Red Crossbill, warblers, sparrows, hawks and Sharp-tailed Grouse. Rarity: Pygmy Nuthatch in campground area.


TIPS: Follow roads and trails throughout the park. Trails through Wind Cave Canyon, Beaver Creek Canyon, the Sanctuary Trail and the Elk Mountain Campground Trail are excellent. Check prairie dog towns for Burrowing Owls as you drive through the park.

CONTACT:Wind Cave Nati onal Park26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747-6027(605) 745-4600

Canyon Wren© Doug Backlund

18 FORT MEADE RECREATION AREAHABITAT:Grassland, pastureland, deciduous, coniferous, riparian habitat along Alkali Creek.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Warblers, Bobolinks, Field Sparrows, Lazuli/Indigo/hybrid bunti ngs, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, warbler migrati on hotspot! Western Tanager, Western Wood-Pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Ovenbird.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: May through October.

TIPS: Just south of the VA Hospital, gravel roads, numerous trails, including a segment of the Centennial Trail. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), it includes a cemetery, closed gravel roads, a picnic area, campgrounds and horse camp area. It is an historic area, since the 7th Cavalry was stati oned there in the late 1880s.


18 FORT MEADE RECREATION AREA DRIVING LOOP - ALKALI RECREATION AREA

HABITAT:Creek lined with oak, ash, cott onwood and other deciduous dense forest with hiking trail access into pine forest to the east and west, riparian shrubs and both deciduous and coniferous tree stands, mixed-grass prairie.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Warbler species are always possible, someti mes in great abundance, during migrati on. This is a good place to look for Indigo and Lazuli bunti ngs, Great Crested Flycatcher, vireos, House Wren, Ovenbird, Field Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Balti more Oriole, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray Catbird, Spott ed Towhee and other songbirds. Look for Eastern Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, Bobolink, Western Kingbird, Dickcissel and Lark Sparrow before entering open pine woodland, which may have Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Plumbeous Vireo and Red Crossbill.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: Mid-May through September.

TIPS: Check with the BLM for dates when the area is closed to visitors.

A diversity of habitat aff ords many opportuniti es to stop and walk about along this driving loop. From the east entrance (I-90), this well-maintained gravel road off ers instant access to Alkali Creek Recreati on Area. Three parking areas allow easy access to the creek. Park at the horse camp and walk that area. Upon leaving Alkali Creek, the road passes through a 2-mile stretch of mixed prairie habitat. Shortly aft er entering the pine forest, the road is intersected by the Centennial Trail. Immediately aft er this juncti on is a small turn-out area. At this point there is a nice litt le trail to a stream, pond and mixed deciduous area. This trail also conti nues up, into pine dominant habitat. The remainder of the tour route to Fort Meade is a winding road through heavy pine forest, but lined on both sides with mixed deciduous forest.

CONTACT:Bureau of Land Management - South Dakota Field Offi ce 310 Roundup Street, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, (605) 892-7000

Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler© Doug Backlund

Swainson’s Thrush© Doug Backlund

19 BEAR BUTTE STATE PARKHABITAT:Bear Butt e, elevati on 4,400 feet, rises steeply above prairie. Grassland, small lake, marsh, deciduous trees, pines, shrubby draws, steep butt e with tree-lined draws, rocky cliff s.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Migrati on hotspot for waterfowl and shorebirds. American Avocet, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Buffl ehead, American White Pelican, Cinnamon Teal, Eared Grebe, Belted Kingfi sher (Bear Butt e Lake), fl ock of Gray Partridge and Sharp-tailed Grouse near the campground, nesti ng Mountain Bluebirds,

Tree Swallows. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch sporadic during winter at top of butt e and near Visitor Center. Spott ed Towhee, Field Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Long-eared Owl in wooded draws on way to Visitor Center. Rusty Blackbird in the fall. Rails, Peregrine Falcon, Rock Wren, Black-bellied and Semipalmated plovers, Mountain Bluebird. Rariti es: Clark’s Grebe, Horned Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, scoters.


TIPS: Follow trails around the lake. From the Visitor Center, hike toward the summit. The lake is frozen in winter. Walk the campground for songbirds. Less than 1½ miles southwest is Fort Meade Reservoir, a very small wetland, catt ail marsh, riparian habitat, grassland and pasture. Look for American Bitt ern, rails, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Lark Sparrow, prairie songbirds here.

CONTACT:Bear Butt e State Park20485 SD Highway 79, PO Box 688Sturgis, SD 57785(605) 347-5240

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California Gull© Doug Backlund

Spott ed Towhee© Doug Backlund

20 BELLE FOURCHE RESERVOIR (ORMAN DAM)HABITAT:The reservoir area includes 8,000 water surface acres, 6,700 land acres and 58 miles of shoreline with grassland, riparian shrub areas, deciduous trees below Orman Dam and Rocky Point Recreati on Area.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Spott ed Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, Western Kingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Short-eared and Great Horned owls, Clark’s Grebe, Western Grebe, Eared Grebe, American White Pelican, Gray Partridge, Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, nesti ng Ring-billed Gull, California Gull and Common Tern. Rarity in migrati on: Piping Plover.


TIPS: Gull and tern nesti ng island best viewed from the Group Camping parking lot just north of the entrance stati on, east side of road. Park and walk at Rocky Point Recreati on Area and below Orman Dam. A drive about 12 miles east on Highway 212 toward Newell then 8 miles north on Highway 79 to Newell Lake GPA may yield diff erent water birds, such as Horned Grebe, and grassland birds along the way. Nisland Slough is a good stop for shorebirds and waterfowl, such as Wilson’s Phalarope, Willet, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck.

A second drive north of Belle Fourche off ers diff erent habitat. From Highway 85 northeast of Belle Fourche, take Old Highway 85 (or Old Harding Road) north toward Harding and Highway 20. This drive through remote sagebrush country can yield excellent birding, but there are important cauti ons. Make this drive only in dry weather. Also, one needs a full tank of gas, a sound vehicle, food and water, as no services are available on this route. This sagebrush country in South Dakota is at the far eastern edge of sagebrush habitat, and the best viewing of Greater Sage-Grouse is probably in Wyoming. Nonetheless, it is occasionally possible to see these birds in this area. Additi onally, look for Brewer’s Sparrow, Lark Bunti ng, Loggerhead Shrike, Upland Sandpiper, Long-billed Curlew, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Sharp-tailed Grouse and rarely Sage Thrasher. In winter: Rough-legged Hawk and rarely Snowy Owl.

CONTACT: SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks, 11361 Nevada Gulch Road, Lead, SD 57754, (605) 584-3896, Email: [email protected]

21 NORTH CAVE HILLS, CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST: PICNIC SPRINGS CAMPGROUND

HABITAT:This 14,500-acre unit of Custer Nati onal Forest off ers open pine woodlands, sandstone rock cliff s, green ash riparian woodlands, grasslands, wooded draws around campground and large swaths of blooming pasque fl owers in early May.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Golden Eagle, Merlin, Black-billed Cuckoo, Prairie Falcon, Ovenbird, Red Crossbill, Loggerhead Shrike, Rock Wren, Eastern and Mountain bluebirds, Swainson’s Thrush, Spott ed Towhee, Red-breasted and White-breasted nuthatches, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Poorwill (calling at night), Say’s Phoebe, Western Tanager, White-throated Swift , Red Crossbill, Lazuli Bunti ng, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Common Nighthawk. Along drive: Baird’s Sparrow, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Lark Bunti ng, Ferruginous Hawk. At Gardner Lake, Western Grebe, Say’s Phoebe, Spott ed Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit. Rarity: Northern Mockingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.


TIPS: Check out cliff s for nesti ng or roosti ng raptors and swallows. Drive and walk along roads through the campground and south along the butt e. Entry is from the east off Highway 85 just north of Ludlow, but if roads are rain-soaked, enter from the north. In years of normal rainfall, roads to Cave Hills will be dott ed with small wetlands. Check for waterfowl and shorebirds. Use cauti on when stopping on hilly, curvy roads with blind spots. About 25 miles southwest of Cave Hills is Lake Gardner GPA, for water birds and shorebirds, including Eared and Western grebes.

CONTACT:Custer Nati onal ForestSioux Ranger DistrictPO Box 37101 East First StreetCamp Crook, SD 57724(605) 797-4432

Merlin Baird’s Sparrow© Doug Backlund © Doug Backlund

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Northern

Saw-whetOwl

© Doug

Backlund

22 SLIM BUTTES, CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST: REVA GAP CAMPGROUND, DEER DRAW AND SORUM DAM GPA

HABITAT:Slim Butt es is an approximately 47,000-acre unit of the Custer Nati onal Forest. Pine and green ash woodlands, sedimentary cliff s, grasslands, wooded draws. At Sorum Dam: nice pond/marsh. Surrounded by mixed-grass prairie and pasture.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Great Horned Owl, Brown Thrasher, Harris’s Sparrow, thrushes and warblers in migrati on, Spott ed Towhee, Black-billed Cuckoo, Black-billed Magpie, White-throated Swift , Red Crossbill, Violet-green Swallow, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Mountain Bluebird, Common Poorwill, Say’s Phoebe, Western Tanager, Brown Creeper, Rock Wren, Ovenbird, Lazuli Bunti ng, Yellow-breasted Chat, Least Flycatcher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, Plumbeous Vireo. Along driving loop: Baird’s Sparrow, Greater Sage-Grouse, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Lark Bunti ng, Ferruginous Hawk, Long-billed Curlew, Burrowing Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, other grassland and sage-associated birds. At Sorum Dam: Common Merganser, Green-winged and Blue-winged teal, Ring-billed Gull, Forster’s Tern, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Western Grebe, Cliff Swallow, Franklin’s Gull, Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, breeding Savannah Sparrow, Lark Sparrow. Along drive to dam look for raptors, Burrowing Owl, grassland birds. Rarity: Greater Sage-Grouse.


TIPS: Look around the Castles limestone formati on for White-throated Swift , Violet-green Swallow and raptors. A path that is good for walking and birding runs south from Reva Gap Campground through Slim Butt es forest. Deer Draw is approximately 13 miles south of Highway 20. Turn west into Deer Draw (FS 3148) from Highway 79, park at the catt le guard and walk up the draw. FS 3148 is someti mes passable up to the pond. From there a good hike will take one to the top of the butt es and some spectacular views. FS 3124, going north of Highway 20, can be walked and perhaps driven part way. FS 3150 going east of Highway 79, toward the south end of Slim Butt es, may be walked.

22 SLIM BUTTES, CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST: SAGEBRUSH AND GRASSLAND DRIVING LOOPHighway 20 (on N), Park Road (E) JB Road (S), Highway 85 (W).

HABITAT:Sagebrush, including big sagebrush, fl ats, sagebrush-grassland mix, mixed-grass prairie, small wetlands and stock dams.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Upland Sandpiper, Horned Lark, Wilson’s Phalarope, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Swainson’s Hawk, Green-winged Teal, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, Say’s Phoebe, Brewer’s Blackbird, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Harrier, Long-billed Curlew, Golden Eagle, Killdeer, Mountain Bluebird. Rarity: Greater Sage-Grouse, Baird’s Sparrow.


TIPS: Cauti on: Much of this loop drives through private land on both sides of the road. Do not trespass off of road. Use great cauti on when stopping on these hilly, curvy roads with blind spots. A conti nuati on to the east on JB Road leads into Custer Nati onal Forest (Slim Butt es). The road changes into a two-track going up the side of the bluff . Park and walk up the draw.

CONTACTS:Sioux Ranger District - Custer Nati onal ForestPO Box 37, 101 East First Street, Camp Crook, SD 57724(605) 797-4432

Sorum Dam GPADepartment of Game, Fish and Parks - Wildlife DivisionRapid City Regional Offi ce, (605) 394-2391

Greater Sage-Grouse© Doug Backlund

Chestnut-collared Longspur© Doug Backlund

Violet-green Swallow© Doug Backlund

23 GRAND RIVER NATIONAL GRASSLANDHABITAT:150,000 acres of nati ve mixed-grass prairie with scatt ered wetlands and creeks. Prairie dog colonies are present. Inquire at Forest Service offi ce for locati ons.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Sprague’s Pipit, Long-billed Curlew, Baird’s Sparrow, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Burrowing Owl, Bobolink, Lark Bunti ng, Marbled Godwit, Upland Sandpiper, Common Poorwill, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Ferruginous Hawk, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Black-billed Magpie, Orchard and Balti more orioles, Great Horned Owl, Lazuli Bunti ng, Black-headed Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Great Blue Heron. At Lemmon Lake: Eared and Pied-billed grebes, Blue-winged Teal, Black Tern, Double-crested Cormorant, Bald and Golden eagles, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Yellow-headed Blackbird. Snowy Owl in winter. Rariti es: McCown’s Longspur, Trumpeter Swan.


TIPS: The best way to explore the grasslands is to purchase a Grand River and Cedar River Nati onal Grasslands Visitor’s Map. Lemmon Lake GPA, Humphrey Draw Wildlife Area and a stretch of the North Fork of the Grand River running through Humphrey Draw Wildlife Area are all excellent for birding. Some roads will require a high-clearance vehicle, and some roads may be impassable aft er a rain. Check with the Forest Service offi ce in Lemmon. Ask for a copy of Bird Status and Distributi on on the Cedar River and Grand River Nati onal Grasslands, 2011. This booklet may be available to download at the website. Drive the Forest Service roads, watch for godwits, raptors, curlews and Burrowing Owls (in prairie dog towns), and listen for pipits, longspurs and sparrows. Baird’s Sparrows are found in taller

grass; locati ons varying yearly depending on grazing patt erns and the previous year’s precipitati on. Look for prairie dog town along 110th Street, on the way to Lemmon Lake.

CONTACT:Grand River Ranger DistrictGrand River Nati onal GrasslandPO Box 3901005 5th Avenue WestLemmon, SD 57638(605) 374-3592

Common Poorwill© Doug Backlund

24 SHADEHILL AND LLEWELLYN JOHNS MEMORIAL RECREATION AREASHABITAT:Shadehill Recreati on Area includes 8,000 acres surrounding Shadehill Reservoir, with grasslands, pine forests, deciduous and cedar draws and miles of shoreline. Llewellyn Johns Memorial Recreati on Area includes 114 acres of dense pine planti ngs, deciduous areas and wetlands. Hugh Glass and Kett erling Point areas have dense pine and deciduous stands and shrubs.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Least Flycatcher, Eastern and Western kingbirds, Orchard Oriole, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Rock Wren, Ferruginous Hawk, Lazuli Bunti ng, Black-billed Magpie, Yellow-breasted Chat, Eastern Bluebird, breeding Pine Siskins (Llewellyn Johns). At Kett erling Point and Hugh Glass picnic and campground areas, look for Northern Saw-whet Owl, Long-eared Owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl in winter, warblers in migrati on, sparrows, thrashers, thrushes, fl ycatchers, cuckoos, towhees, wide range of songbirds and waterfowl on the lake.


TIPS: From April through September, State Park entrance license required. Parking, vault toilet, comfort stati on available during the summer. At Shadehill Dam spillway, scan for Osprey, Bald Eagle,

Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow. At Llewellyn Johns Recreati on Area, walk north to Flat Creek Lake for grebes, ducks and shorebirds during migrati on. Check out Kett erling Point campground and Hugh Glass Day Use Area at Shadehill. Excellent in winter for owls and other raptors. Some roads are two-track; hiking only is suggested.

CONTACT:Shadehill Recreati on Area, 19150 Summerville Road Box 63Shadehill, SD 57653, (605) 374-5114

Rock Wren© Doug Backlund

© Doug Backlund

25 DURKEE LAKEHABITAT:Mixed-grass prairie, lake, riparian shrubs, marshland.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Virginia Rail, Sora, Great Blue Heron nesti ng colony, American Wigeon, Western Grebe, Lark Sparrow, Cliff Swallow, Long-billed Curlew, shorebirds, marsh birds, grassland birds.


TIPS: Park at east side of the lake. Walk grassy trails, drive gravel roads along the lake.

CONTACT:City of Faith - Business Offi ce204 North Main Street, Faith, SD 57626

Lazuli Bunti ng© Doug Backlund

Long-billed Curlew© Doug Backlund

26 FOUR CORNERS LOOPHABITAT:Grassland, short-grass prairie, wetlands, pastureland, hillsides and draws thick with juniper, ditches lined with wild plum, Cheyenne River crossing with wide, scoured sandbars and ribboned river channels, riparian deciduous trees and shrubs, huge cott onwoods.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Black-billed Magpie, Lark Sparrow, Lark and Lazuli bunti ngs, Spott ed Towhee, Blue Grosbeak, Long-eared Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, Grasshopper Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew, Western Kingbird, Great Horned Owl, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow Warbler, Wild Turkey, Upland Sandpiper, Orchard Oriole, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Say’s Phoebe.


TIPS: The road across the bott om of this loop is called Ash Creek Road, which follows the old route of Highway 34 crossing the Cheyenne River via Four Corner Bridge, a beauti ful old structure. Travelers will have to consult highway maps and pay att enti on so as to not miss this road. When traveling west, Ash Creek Road is approximately 7 miles beyond Billsburg. For those traveling from west to east, Ash Creek Road is the fi rst right turn aft er Howes Corner. This truly is a wonderful drive down a winding road to

the Cheyenne River, perfect for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Long-billed Curlew, Lark Sparrow, Lazuli Bunti ng, Ferruginous Hawk, Yellow-breasted Chat, Bell’s Vireo and Loggerhead Shrike. Stop at the bridge over the Cheyenne to view up and down stream, Least Terns have been seen from here.

Sprague’s Pipit© Doug Backlund

Long-eared Owl© Doug Backlund

27 BAD RIVER WATER ACCESS AREAHABITAT:Four-acre riparian area just southwest of Philip beside the Bad River, with huge cott onwood trees, cedar trees, a small grassy area and shrubby riparian area along the Bad River.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Jay, Northern Flicker, Wood Duck, Brown Thrasher, Wild Turkey, Chimney Swift , Great Crested Flycatcher, Cliff Swallow, Eastern Phoebe, Ring-necked Pheasant, Yellow Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, Indigo Bunti ng.


TIPS: This ti ny park off ers a surprising number of species in late spring and summer. About 2 miles north of Philip is Lake Waggoner, with an impressive list of birds, such as Chestnut-collared Longspur, Eastern Phoebe, Horned Lark, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, Sora, Killdeer, Loggerhead Shrike, Barn Owl (beside dam face), Bobolink, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Sora, Gray Catbird, American Kestrel, Belted Kingfi sher. Least Flycatcher and Northern Mockingbird in migrati on.

CONTACT:SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks - Wildlife DivisionRapid City Regional Offi ce, (605) 394-2391


28 CURLEW LAKE GPAHABITAT:440 acres. Open water, grassland and pastureland.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Waterfowl, shorebirds, grebes, Chestnut-collared Longspur, nice shelterbelt with various songbirds including nesti ng Bell’s Vireo, Great Horned Owl.


TIPS: Park and walk, also drive across the dam and check the spillway area.

CONTACT:SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks - Wildlife DivisionRapid City Regional Offi ce, (605) 394-2391

Chestnut-collared Longspur© Doug Backlund

29 COFFEE FLATS ROAD AND FIDDLE CREEK DAM

HABITAT:Coff ee Flats Road passes south from Highway 18 west of Edgemont, through nati onal grassland into private land on both sides of road. The drive down this public county road off ers many grassland birds. Fiddle Creek Dam, located on the nati onal grassland, may have many ducks and grebes on the water and nearby. Ferruginous Hawks nest in tree-rich draws on the nati onal grassland along Coff ee Flats Road. Habitats include big sagebrush, shortgrass and mixed-grass prairie and open water at Fiddle Creek Dam.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Vesper Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Lark Bunti ng, Loggerhead Shrike, Short-eared Owl, Long-billed Curlew, Common Nighthawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Common Merganser, Redhead, Greater Yellowlegs, Wilson’s Phalarope, grebes, Grasshopper Sparrow. Rarity: Sage Thrasher, Cassin’s Sparrow.


TIPS: The road (FS 7057) into Fiddle Creek Dam from Coff ee Flats Road is rough and should not be driven in wet weather. Drive only as far as you feel comfortable, then walk the rest of the mile to the dam. As you drive public roads in this area, look for ponds and stock dams near the road. These may be quite rich with species of waterfowl and

shorebirds. Do not trespass. The land may be private, but you may pull over and observe from the road. Driving back toward Edgemont on Highway 18, Cassin’s Sparrow has been seen along the road about 7 miles west of Edgemont. At Edgemont, Dewey Road goes north toward Dewey and on to Elk Mountain Lookout Tower, trail site #15.

CONTACT: Buff alo Gap Nati onal Grassland1801 Highway 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747(605) 745-4107

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Brewer’s Sparrow© Doug Backlund

Common Merganser© Doug Backlund

30 RED CANYONHABITAT:Steep canyon, red sandstone-rock walls, cott onwoods along creek, deciduous wooded draws, pasture, pine woodlands, juniper thickets.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Long list of breeding woodland and cliff -nesti ng birds, including Pygmy Nuthatch at one ti me, Great Horned Owl, Long-eared Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Prairie Falcon, Rock Wren, breeding Golden Eagle, White-throated Swift , Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Canyon Wren, Black-billed Magpie, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, Western Wood-Pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Grasshopper Sparrow, Lazuli Bunti ng, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat.


TIPS: From Highway 18, turn west onto Red Canyon Road (FS 322) and follow it through the canyon, pulling over at wide spots to walk or listen

for birds. Good bird variety in riparian cott onwood stands and brushy areas. Aft er leaving Red Canyon, turn west at the T-intersecti on onto Pilger Mountain Road and turn south on Elbow Canyon Road (FS 318), birding the same way as in Red Canyon, to Dewey Road, then conti nue west toward Dewey. Dewey Road, between Dewey and Edgemont, is a good driving route. Look for rarity, Cassin’s Kingbird, as well as prairie sparrows, Lark Bunti ng, Bullock’s Oriole.

Pygmy Nuthatch© Doug Backlund

PrairieFalcon© Doug Backlund

31 HOT BROOK CANYON AND CHAUTAUQUA PARKHABITAT:Riparian woodlands line the canyon fl oor and steep, red-rock cliff s form the canyon walls. Higher up the canyon, pine forest. Chautauqua Park has shrubby areas and green ash along the creek.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Prairie Falcon, Red-naped Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Cordilleran and Dusky fl ycatchers, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Blue Jay, Gray Catbird, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunti ng, Black-headed Grosbeak and Bullock’s Oriole. Look for White-throated Swift , Cliff and Violet-green swallows and Canyon Wren along the walls. Common Poorwills call from the canyon rim during summer evenings. Upper canyon: Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Pine Siskin and Red Crossbill. In migrati on: Orange-crowned, Blackpoll, Black-and-white and Wilson’s warblers. Rarity: Lesser Goldfi nch, Pinyon Jay.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: May through August.

TIPS: Park off ers good parking and birding along pathways. Proceeding

up Hot Brook Canyon, walk or drive along road, pulling over at wide spots to check for birds as you proceed up the canyon. Nearby Cott onwood Springs Lake may have waterfowl on the lake and wading birds in the marshes. Common Loon has been seen here during spring migrati on. Another interesti ng area is Cold Brook Canyon, which is similar to Hot Brook Canyon. Bird this road the same as Hot Brook, pulling over at wide spots to check for birds. Cold Brook Canyon off ers parking areas where one may spend ti me walking the area.

CONTACT:City of Hot Springs 303 North River, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Lesser Goldfi nch© Doug Backlund

CordilleranFlycatcher

© Doug Backlund

Pine Siskin© Doug Backlund

32 CASCADE FALLS AREA(Cascade Falls Picnic Ground, J. H. Keith Cascade Springs Picnic Area, Nathaniel Whitney Preserve)

HABITAT:Cascade Springs and Cascade Falls are managed by the Black Hills Nati onal Forest. Both sites provide riparian woodlands along Cascade Creek of box elder, ash and cott onwoods, with pine forest on surrounding hills. The Nature Conservancy’s Whitney Preserve, named aft er Nathaniel and Mary Whitney, contains a nice spring and small pond with marsh draining into Cascade Creek, upland open pine forest, grassland.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Riparian woodland birds, juniper shrub birds, raptors, woodpeckers, kingfi shers, songbirds in migrati on, White-throated Swift , Townsend’s Solitaire in winter. Wilson’s Snipe, Lazuli Bunti ng, Yellow-breasted Chat at Cascade Springs. Northern Harrier, Mountain Bluebird, Marsh Wren at the falls. Bullock’s Oriole in the pines above the spring, also Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco, Chipping Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Pine Siskin. Green-winged Teal, American Kestrel, Wood Duck, White-throated Swift , Hairy Woodpecker, Mountain Bluebird at Whitney Preserve. Rarity: Lesser Goldfi nch at Keith; Winter Wren or possibly Pacifi c Wren, late fall and early winter at the Whitney Preserve’s hot springs.


TIPS: From the Whitney Preserve parking area, walk the nature trail about ¼ mile to the springs. Cascade Springs has paved trails around the springs.

CONTACTS:Black Hills Nati onal Forest - Hell Canyon Ranger District330 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730, (605) 673-4853

Whitney Preserve28077 Cascade Road, Hot Springs, SD 57747, (605) 745-6990

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WesternWood-Pewee© Doug Backlund

Western Tanager© Doug Backlund

33 ANGOSTURA RESERVOIR HABITAT:4,600-acre reservoir along the Cheyenne River. Surrounded mostly by mixed-grass prairie, scatt ered sagebrush, a few areas of pines, riparian woodland, deciduous shrubs, plus mudfl ats. At Shep’s Canyon, cott onwoods and shelterbelt planti ngs, pines, wooded draws.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Blue Grosbeak, migrant songbirds. At the reservoir, Horned Grebe, Eared Grebe, Western Grebe, many gulls and terns, waterfowl, sparrows. In Shep’s Canyon, Bald Eagle, Canyon Wren, Eastern Screech-Owl, American Tree Sparrow in winter,

many songbirds, raptors, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Northern Shrike. Rariti es: Pinyon Jay, Red-necked Grebe, Black and White-winged scoters. Black-legged Kitti wake, Pacifi c and Red-throated loons, plus Sabine’s and Mew gulls have been seen here once or twice.


TIPS: State Park entrance license required for recreati on areas and campgrounds. None required for Shep’s Canyon on west side. Parking, vault toilet and comfort stati on available at the

campgrounds. No road circles the reservoir. One must drive into each side from surrounding roads, so a trip to all sides of the reservoir can take several hours. East side is good during migrati on and winter when water is open. South side off ers parking and easy view of that end of the reservoir.

CONTACT:SD Department of Game, Fish & Parks13157 North Angostura RoadHot Springs, SD 57747(605) 745-6996Email: [email protected]

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Long-billed Curlew© Doug Backlund

Lewis’sWoodpecker

© Doug Backlund

34 LIMESTONE BUTTE LAKEHABITAT:Small lake on the Buff alo Gap Nati onal Grassland next to Limestone Butt e.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, Wilson’s Phalarope, American Bitt ern, Great Blue Heron, Spott ed Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe, Eared Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe. At the dam face, Vesper Sparrow, Western Kingbird, warblers in migrati on, Red-winged and Yellow-headed blackbirds, American Kestrel.


TIPS: The two-track road going south about 2 miles from Highway 18 into the lake and dam is very rough. Drive only as far as comfortable, then park and walk. Look for grassland sparrows, Lark Bunti ng, Western Meadowlark and Ferruginous Hawk along road to the dam. A good driving route through grassland habitat from Oelrichs goes south on Highway 385 to 309th Street then west to Ardmore, turning north on Highway 71. This road passes Angostura Reservoir and conti nues to Hot Springs, or one can turn west onto Highway 471 to Edgemont. Look for many grassland species, including Vesper and Grasshopper sparrows, Golden Eagle, Ferruginous and Swainson’s hawks, Loggerhead Shrike, Lark Bunti ng.

CONTACT:Buff alo Gap Nati onal Grassland1801 Highway 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747, (605) 745-4107

35 LACREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

HABITAT:Encompasses 16,410 acres of nati ve sandhills, sub-irrigated meadows, impounded freshwater marshes, tallgrass and mixed-grass prairie uplands, woodlands, chokecherry and plum thickets, prairie dog colonies, tree planti ngs.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:A checklist of birds is available online. The list provided here is a small sample. Burrowing Owl, American Avocet, Blue-winged Teal, Trumpeter Swan, White-faced Ibis, American Bitt ern, American White Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Peregrine Falcon, Virginia Rail, American Golden-Plover, Marbled and Hudsonian godwits, Wilson’s Phalarope, Forster’s Tern, Western Kingbird, Marsh Wren, Eastern Meadowlark, Bell’s and Warbling vireos, warblers in migrati on, Sandhill Crane in migrati on, Cinnamon Teal, Lark Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Orchard Oriole.

BEST BIRDING MONTHS: April through September (November through February for Trumpeter Swans).

TIPS: The refuge has roads, walking trails and a self-guided auto route. Park and walk where roads are muddy and rough. A good springti me shorebird stop is Lake Kadoka.

CONTACT:Lacreek Nati onal Wildlife Refuge29746 Bird Road, Marti n, SD 57551(605) 685-6508, Email: [email protected]

Trumpeter Swan© Doug Backlund

Burrowing Owl© Doug Backlund

36 LITTLE WHITE RIVER GPA AND RECREATION AREA AND TODD GPA

HABITAT:At Litt le White River, cott onwood and green ash forest, small wetland, marsh. At Todd GPA, grassland, pastureland, tree groves, riparian bott omland, shrubby areas.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Blue Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler, Spott ed Towhee, Lazuli and Indigo bunti ngs, Orchard Oriole, migrants, common woodland/shelterbelt birds, grassland sparrows, Catt le Egret, Loggerhead Shrike, Clay-colored Sparrow, Lark Bunti ng, Eastern Meadowlark, Yellow-headed Blackbird.


TIPS: Both Litt le White River GPA and Todd GPA, with connecti on to Lacreek Nati onal Wildlife Refuge, off er good birding.

CONTACT:South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and ParksWildlife DivisionRapid City Regional Offi ce(605) 394-2391

Hudsonian Godwit© Doug Backlund

37 BADLANDS NATIONAL PARKHABITAT:This 244,000-acre nati onal park off ers steep sedimentary cliff s, dramati cally eroded spires, plateaus, prairie, cedar and deciduous shrubby draws. The best way to bird the Badlands is to contact the park headquarters for maps, bird checklist and recent sighti ngs of note.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Black-billed Magpie, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Bell’s Vireo on Cliff Shelf Trail. Auto route and walking the trails may yield Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Horned Lark, Turkey Vulture, Rock Wren, Long-eared and Short-eared owls, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Mountain Bluebird, Spott ed Towhee, Say’s Phoebe, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, White-throated Swift , Eurasian Collared-Dove, sparrows, swallows. Cliff -nesti ng species include Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, swallows. In winter: Rough-legged Hawk, Merlin, Townsend’s Solitaire, Northern

Shrike, American Tree Sparrow, Lapland Longspur. Winter rarity: Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, Snowy Owl.


TIPS: Walk the Cliff Shelf Trail near the Visitor Center and around the grounds behind the Visitor Center, keeping a keen eye out for White-throated Swift s and Merlin fl ying high above. You may even see migrati ng Sandhill or Whooping cranes. Drive the main road through the park and consider visiti ng Sage Creek Wilderness Area. Long-eared Owls can be found in juniper draws. Look for Burrowing Owls at Roberts Prairie Dog Town, along with Bald and Golden eagles. Also drive Conata Basin Road for grassland species: Burrowing Owl, Horned Lark, Lark Bunti ng, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Harrier, American

Kestrel, Common Nighthawk, Short-eared Owl, grassland birds and some large Bank Swallow colonies. Check out the South Unit of Badlands Nati onal Park, including Sheep Mountain Table Road and the Fog Creek area off BIA 2 for Prairie Falcons and other raptors. Other side trips include the 240 Loop Road and Sage Creek Rim Road.

CONTACT:Badlands Nati onal ParkPO Box 6Interior, South Dakota 57750(605) 433-5361

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38 CHEYENNE RIVER GRASSLAND LOOPHABITAT:Grassland, pastureland, Cheyenne River shrubby draws.

BIRDS TO LOOK FOR:Birds of prey, Long-billed Curlew, Upland Sandpiper, Lark Bunti ng, Grasshopper Sparrow. At School and Public Lands stretch, Sprague’s Pipit and Baird’s Sparrow heard here in spring (May). Chestnut-collared Longspurs nest here. On trails to Cheyenne River, look for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Burrowing and Short-eared owls, Bell’s Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat.


TIPS: This driving loop allows one to periodically pull over and listen for birds. One may walk on the prairie in Buff alo Gap Nati onal Grassland (BGNG). Be careful to enter the nati onal grassland only onto public land, as private land is intermingled. Do not trespass on private land.

On SD Highway 44 east of Rapid City: Go 1½ miles east of Farmingdale, turn south onto 160th Avenue. (Crossing at bridge over Rapid Creek is heavily wooded, private land, but good birding for arboreal species from the road.) Aft er 3 miles, enter BGNG. Extensive public access in this area, but most roads are not passable when wet. Conti nue south on 160th Avenue, cross into Custer County. At 1.3 miles south

of the county line, SD School and Public Lands area begins on west side of road. This is 1 square mile of non-motorized access. Conti nue south, turn east at Y onto Lower Spring Creek Road. Aft er 7½ miles, road becomes Creston Road. Two and a half miles farther, BGNG land is east of the road. Access is at barbed wire gate. Several trails lead down to the Cheyenne River. Creston Road conti nues north 7½ miles to intersect with Highway 44.

CONTACTS:Buff alo Gap Nati onal Grassland1801 Highway 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747, (605) 745-4107

SD Offi ce of School and Public Lands500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501, (605) 773-3300

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Lark Bunti ng© Doug Backlund


Geese, Swans, and DucksWhite-fronted Goose Snow GooseRoss’s GooseCanada Goose *Trumpeter Swan *Wood Duck *Gadwall*American Wigeon *Mallard *Blue-winged Teal *Cinnamon Teal *rNorthern Shoveler *Northern Pintail *Green-winged Teal *Canvasback *Redhead *Ring-necked DuckGreater Scaup Lesser ScaupBuffl eheadCommon GoldeneyeBarrow’s GoldeneyeHooded MerganserCommon Merganser *Ruddy Duck *Long-tailed Duck

Grouse and TurkeysGray Partridge *Ring-necked Pheasant *Ruff ed Grouse *Greater Sage-Grouse *Sharp-tailed Grouse *Wild Turkey *

LoonsPacifi c LoonCommon Loon

GrebesPied-billed Grebe*Horned GrebeEared GrebeWestern Grebe *Clark’s Grebe

Pelicans and CormorantsAmerican White Pelican *Double-crested Cormorant *

Bitt erns, Herons, and IbisesAmerican Bitt ern *Least Bitt ern *Great Blue Heron *Great Egret Snowy Egret *Green Heron *Black-crowned Night-Heron *White-faced Ibis *r

VulturesTurkey Vulture *

Hawks, Kites, and EaglesOsprey *Bald Eagle *Northern Harrier *Sharp-shinned Hawk *Cooper’s Hawk *Northern Goshawk *Broad-winged Hawk *Swainson’s Hawk *Red-tailed Hawk *Ferruginous Hawk *Rough-legged Hawk Golden Eagle *

FalconsGyrfalconPeregrine Falcon Prairie Falcon *American Kestrel *Merlin *

Rails Virginia Rail *Sora *American Coot *

Cranes Sandhill CraneWhooping Crane

Plovers Black-bellied PloverSemipalmated PloverKilldeer *

SandpipersBlack-necked Sti lt *rAmerican Avocet *Greater YellowlegsLesser YellowlegsSolitary SandpiperWillet *Spott ed Sandpiper *Upland Sandpiper *Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew *Hudsonian GodwitMarbled Godwit *Ruddy TurnstoneSanderlingSemipalmated SandpiperWestern SandpiperLeast SandpiperWhite-rumped SandpiperBaird’s SandpiperPectoral SandpiperSti lt SandpiperBuff -breasted SandpiperShort-billed DowitcherLong-billed DowitcherWilson’s Snipe *Wilson’s Phalarope *Red-necked Phalarope

Gulls and TernsFranklin’s GullBonaparte’s GullRing-billed GullCalifornia Gull *Herring GullGlaucous GullSabine’s GullCaspian TernCommon TernForster’s Tern *Black Tern *

DovesRock Pigeon *Eurasian Collared-Dove *Mourning Dove *

CuckoosBlack-billed Cuckoo *Yellow-billed Cuckoo *

OwlsBarn Owl *Eastern Screech-Owl *Great Horned Owl *Snowy OwlBurrowing Owl *Long-eared Owl *Short-eared Owl *Northern Saw-whet Owl *

Goatsuckers Common Nighthawk *Common Poorwill *

Swift sChimney Swift *White-throated Swift *

HummingbirdsRuby-throated Hummingbird Calliope HummingbirdBroad-tailed Hummingbird* Rufous Hummingbird

Kingfi shersBelted Kingfi sher*

WoodpeckersLewis’s Woodpecker *Red-headed Woodpecker *Yellow-bellied SapsuckerRed-naped Sapsucker *Downy Woodpecker *Hairy Woodpecker *American Three-toed Woodpecker *Black-backed Woodpecker *Northern Flicker *

FlycatchersOlive-sided FlycatcherWestern Wood-Pewee *Willow Flycatcher *Least Flycatcher *Dusky Flycatcher *Cordilleran Flycatcher *Eastern Phoebe *Say’s Phoebe *Great Crested Flycatcher *Cassin’s Kingbird *Western Kingbird *Eastern Kingbird *

ShrikesLoggerhead Shrike *Northern Shrike

VireosBell’s Vireo *Plumbeous Vireo *Blue-headed VireoWarbling Vireo *Red-eyed Vireo *White-eyed Vireo

Jays and CrowsGray Jay *Blue Jay *Pinyon Jay *Clark’s Nutcracker *Black-billed Magpie *American Crow *

LarksHorned Lark *

SwallowsTree Swallow*Violet-green Swallow *Northern Rough-winged Swallow *Bank Swallow *Cliff Swallow *Barn Swallow *

Chickadees, Nuthatches, and CreepersBlack-capped Chickadee *

Red-breasted Nuthatch *White-breasted Nuthatch *Pygmy Nuthatch *Brown Creeper *

WrensRock Wren *Canyon Wren *House Wren *Pacifi c Wren *rWinter WrenMarsh Wren *

DippersAmerican Dipper *

Kinglets, GnatcatchersGolden-crowned Kinglet *Ruby-crowned Kinglet *Blue-gray Gnatcatcher*

ThrushesEastern Bluebird *Mountain Bluebird *Townsend’s Solitaire *Veery *Gray-cheeked ThrushSwainson’s Thrush *Hermit ThrushAmerican Robin *Varied Thrush

MimidsGray Catbird *Northern Mockingbird Sage Thrasher *Brown Thrasher *

Starlings, PipitsEuropean Starling *American PipitSprague’s Pipit *

WaxwingsBohemian WaxwingCedar Waxwing *

Wood WarblersGolden-winged Warbler

Tennessee WarblerOrange-crowned WarblerVirginia’s Warbler *Northern ParulaYellow Warbler *Chestnut-sided Warbler *rMagnolia WarblerYellow-rumped Warbler *Townsend’s WarblerPalm WarblerBlackpoll WarblerBlack-and-white Warbler *American Redstart *Ovenbird *Northern WaterthrushMacGillivray’s Warbler *Common Yellowthroat *Hooded WarblerWilson’s WarblerYellow-breasted Chat *

TanagersSummer TanagerScarlet TanagerWestern Tanager *

TowheesGreen-tailed TowheeSpott ed Towhee *

SparrowsCassin’s Sparrow *rAmerican Tree SparrowChipping Sparrow *Clay-colored SparrowBrewer’s Sparrow *Field Sparrow *Vesper Sparrow *Lark Sparrow *Lark Bunti ng *Savannah Sparrow *Grasshopper Sparrow *Baird’s Sparrow *Fox SparrowSong Sparrow *Lincoln’s SparrowWhite-throated SparrowHarris’s SparrowWhite-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco *McCown’s Longspur Lapland LongspurChestnut-collared Longspur *Snow Bunti ng

Grosbeaks and Bunti ngsRose-breasted Grosbeak *Black-headed Grosbeak *Blue Grosbeak *Lazuli Bunti ng *Indigo Bunti ng *Dickcissel *

BlackbirdsBobolink *Red-winged Blackbird *Eastern Meadowlark *Western Meadowlark *Yellow-headed Blackbird *Rusty Blackbird Brewer’s Blackbird *Common Grackle *Brown-headed Cowbird *

OriolesOrchard Oriole *Bullock’s Oriole *Balti more Oriole

FinchesGray-crowned Rosy-FinchPine Grosbeak Purple FinchCassin’s Finch *House Finch *Red Crossbill *White-winged Crossbill Common RedpollPine Siskin *Lesser Goldfi nch*American Goldfi nch *Evening GrosbeakHouse Sparrow *

* denotes breeding, *r denotes very rare breeder

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South Dakota Ornithologists’ Union

the black hills, badlands and lakes birding trail guide … · badlands provide a special aspect...

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